By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Super Eagles B midfielder Ifeanyi Ifeanyi has explained why many Nigerian footballers leave the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for foreign clubs, saying poor salaries and limited playing conditions are pushing talents abroad.

Speaking from Iraq on Thursday, the 30-year-old footballer said he would gladly remain in Nigeria if local clubs offered competitive wages comparable to leagues in North Africa and South Africa.

The ex- midfielder, currently playing for in Iraq, made the statement during an interview about his career journey and life in the Middle East.

He revealed that the least salary for players in Iraq’s top division is about ₦5 million monthly, a figure far above what many players earn in the NPFL.

According to Ifeanyi, Nigerian footballers leave because financial opportunities abroad outweigh local offers.

He noted that many NPFL players earn less than $500 monthly, while foreign leagues provide better wages, quality pitches, stronger infrastructure, and modern technology such as VAR.

The midfielder, who previously played for and said his professional journey took him through Algeria, Uzbekistan and Iraq.

He disclosed that despite challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences, the financial rewards and improved facilities make the move worthwhile.

Ifeanyi also reflected on his national team career, recalling his participation with Nigeria’s home-based national team and the CHAN tournament, where the team won silver.

He maintained that Nigeria possesses immense football talent but lacks the financial backing to keep its best players at home.

He urged football administrators to improve player welfare, upgrade stadium facilities and increase salaries.

According to him, this is how Nigeria can retain top talent and strengthen the domestic league.